Google plans to tackle high RAM use by Android apps. The company has announced new memory rules for apps on the Google Play Store. Developers whose apps regularly consume too much memory will face limits. Google has also set a timeline for them to reduce memory use and improve performance.
The Google Play Store will introduce new quality requirements. These rules focus on shrinking each app’s memory footprint. The move comes as the mobile industry deals with hardware supply constraints.
Google Play will apply new performance thresholds. These cover dynamic memory use, bitmap memory, and DEX code optimisation.
Dynamic memory tracking will measure how much private memory an app uses in the foreground and background. Limits will vary according to device performance. Bitmap memory rules will check how much memory images use when they run in the background or sit in cache.
Google also requires apps on Play Store to meet a minimum 25 percent coverage for optimisation, shrinking, and obfuscation. Developers must use tools such as R8 for this work.
The new measures aim to stop excessive memory use. They also seek to reduce unexpected performance slowdowns and app closures on devices.
Starting February 2027, apps and games on Google Play must meet the new memory, bitmap, and DEX thresholds. Apps that fail may see lower visibility and reduced publishing options. Google said it will share more details later this year.
In addition, Google is adding a Zero-Tap Sign-In rule. This feature will help users keep their login status when they move apps to a new Android device. Apps that support sign-in must restore login automatically through the Android Restore Credentials API.
Apps that miss this requirement could lose full publishing rights and best visibility from April next year. Games are currently exempt.
Google noted that the thresholds may change as the Android ecosystem evolves. The company said it will give developers enough time to comply whenever the rules are updated.